If you’ve traveled by air recently, whether for business or pleasure, you know how difficult it can be to find something healthy to eat at the airport. In this age of terminal food courts and meal-less flights it’s tempting to load up on ‘belly fill’ while getting a whole lot of calories and fat along the way – sometimes as much as a full day’s worth. But with a little knowledge and advance planning eating well while at the airport is no big deal. Here are some handy tips:
DIY snacks
The processed foods that are the mainstay of airport dining don’t satisfy hunger for very long. That’s because processed foods like white bread, bagels, chips and pasta, digest very quickly. And sugary foods like candy and donuts can actually promote hunger. Solution: Go for foods that are naturally filling, especially those that are high in fiber or lean protein. Good choices include:
- Snack or meal replacement bars (high fiber or high protein)
- Low fat versions of cheese (string, slices, wedges) or cottage cheese
- High fiber crackers or cereal (packed in a sturdy plastic container)
- Raw (not dry roasted) nuts (but keep the portions to about 1/4 cup) and soy nuts
- Fresh or dried fruit
- Greek yogurt (it’s richer tasting and has more protein than traditional yogurt)
- Chopped vegetables or a garden salad (vinegar-based dressing on the size)
